Safety signaling means



April 4, 1939. J SHARP 2,153,277

SAFETY SIGNALING MEANS Filed Oct. 25, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet l Attorneys 25' m a K m\ \\\\\\\\\\\w n\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ .9

April 4, 1939. SHARP 2,153,277

SAFETY S IGNALING MEANS Filed Oct. 25, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ,M /g I l ff. 5' Inventor Patented Apr. 4, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SAFETY SIGNALING MEANS John M. Sharp, Columbus, Ohio Application October 25, 1937, Serial No. 170,934

1 Claim.

The present invention relates to what is believed to be a novel way and means for operating an audible warning signal and has reference in particular to a construction designed for use in connection with an automobile runway, ramp or the like.

The preferred embodiment of the invention comprehends the use of a depressible hose or equivalent device mounted on the runway so that o the ascending of descending vehicle passes over it, there being associated with said hose 2. circuit make and break device for intermittently controlling the action of a signaling hell or equivalent warning.

The primary object of the invention is obviously to forewarn those within the vicinity of the runway as to the approach or movement of a car on said runway, and to accomplish this result through the aid of simple and reliable signal operating and controlling means.

Other features and advantages may become apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a top plan view showing a fragmentary portion of a ramp or runway and illustrating how the invention is associated therewith.

Figure 2 is a detailing sectional and elevational View taken approximately on the plane of the line 2-2 of Figure l and including the signaling bell.

Figure 3 is an open side orfront view of the enclosure or casing for the circuit make and break device.

Figure 4 is a view, on an enlarged scale, which may be said to be taken approximately on the plane of the line 4-4 of Figure 1.

The ramp or runway, which may be of any appropriate construction, is satisfactorily represented in the drawings and denoted by the numeral 5. As before indicated, the compressible tube or hose 6 is laid transversely across the runway in the path of movement of the oncoming vehicle. As disclosed in Figure 2 the anchoring bracket or fixture for one end of the hose comprises a plug 1 fitting into the adjacent end of the hose and embraced by the hose clamp 8. The plug includes an attaching lug 9 properly offset and shaped to rest on the runway, said lug being bolted or otherwise anchored in place as at H].

Associated with that end of the hose disposed alongside of the marginal edge of the runway, is the circuit make and break unit I I. This com prises an appropriate box-like casing l2 with a removable cover or lid I3. The lid is provided with a binding post I4 the inner end of which is fashioned to provide a stationary contact element l5. A spring contact arm "5 is insulated and anchored in the casing on one wall thereof as indicated at H. The intermediate portion of the arm is formed with an air pressure operated disc or equivalent element II. On the free end of the arm is a movable contact I8 coordinated with the contact IS. The disc I1 is in alignment with the adjacent end of an air inlet pipe I9 projecting into the casing. This pipe serves to deliver a gust of air against the impact receiving disc 11. The adjacent end of the hose is telescopically fastened to the pipe and secured thereon by a clamp 20.

Any suitable signaling means may be employed, either visible or audible. It is desired to use an alarm bell as at 2| and the wires 22 and 23 leading therefrom are electrically connected with the circuit make and break means ll. Incidentally, in the wiring circuit is an appropriate source of current such as a battery 24. One wire is connected with the contact arm [6 while the other wire is adjoined to the insulated binding post l4.

With this arrangement it is obvious that as a vehicle ascends or descends the runway it will pass over the compressible rubber hose or tube. Since the tube is closed or plugged at one end and open at the opposite end, it is evident that the charge of air contained therein is blasted against the disc l1, whereby to flex the arm l6 and bring the contacts l8 and I5 into momentary electrical current conducting positions. This momentary closing of the circuit is sufficient to sound the warning bell 2|, thus providing the tell-tale presence of a car on the runway. The hose 6 is provided at a suitable point, for instance adjacent the plug 1, with an aperture 25 for the intake of air.

The preferred embodiment of the invention herein illustrated and disclosed, is believed to be adequate and aptly fitted for the purposes intended. The construction is such as to render it reliable and efficient and, under the circumstances, fulfills present existing need for such a safety promotion appliance.

It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawings will enable a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore, a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be end of the hose section having an aperture therein into which said extending end of the nipple projects, a fixed contact in said box, and a movable contact comprising a leaf spring fixed at one end in said box to be flexed into engagement with the fixed contact and having a diaphragm- ]ike portion normally engaged with said extending end of the nipple and closing the same, whereby air issuing from said nipple flexes said movable contact.

JOHN M. SHARP. 

